Cleaning your window air conditioner regularly is vital to keeping it in good working order. Remove and rinse the filter monthly during the cooling season. When it’s not in use, store the unit indoors and cover it with a sheet of plastic or tarp. Before you install it at the start of warmer weather, disassemble it and give it a thorough seasonal cleaning. Comb its aluminum fins, blow the coils with compressed air, and vacuum and wipe down the interior tray. If your unit is especially dirty, deep clean it with a coil cleaner or oxygenated household cleaner.
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How to Clean a Window Air Conditioner without removing it
Basic Cleaning
Look and smell for signs of mildew. If a mildew smell is noticeable when you first turn the A/C on, this method may help.
Fill a spray bottle with hydrogen peroxide. The 3% solution sold in stores will work.
Do not use alcohol, as this is flammable and could start a fire.
Do not use bleach, as those fumes are toxic and bleach could damage the unit.
While safer than bleach or alcohol, hydrogen peroxide should still be clearly labeled and kept out of the reach of children.
Turn the unit off. Spray the intake area and outflow area on the front of the unit.
Avoid getting the spray in the eyes or inhaling it. Once it settles on surfaces, the fumes are no longer a concern.
Rinse hands after spraying.
Allow it to dry. Then turn the unit back on.
Spraying when the unit is turned off for the night is ideal, as that allows plenty of time to dry before morning.
Do a deeper clean if needed. If this method isn’t sufficient, remove the filter, with the unit off, and spray further inside the unit.
Place a drip tray underneath the unit to catch any drips, which might otherwise bleach carpet, fabric, or wood.
A turkey basting tray is one possible option.
Avoid turning the unit on and off often. Before the condensate evaporates, that’s the ideal breeding period for microbes. While the unit is on, the temperature extremes and continuous flow of condensate washing old water outside (you may see it dripping) prevents the build-up of microbes.
Remove the unit’s front panel to access the filter. Turn the unit off and disconnect the power cord before removing the front panel. Your air conditioner’s front panel is secured with screws or tabs. Remove the panel, locate the filter, and pull it out of its slot.[1]
Depending on your model, you’ll either pull the filter up or slide it down out of its slot. Check your manual for specific information about how to remove your front panel and filter.